Government Begins Nationwide Distribution of Two Million Bags of Fertilizer

By Mbungu Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The government has started a nationwide distribution of two million bags of subsidised fertiliser that is expected to stabilise farm productivity and ease input shortages during the ongoing long rains season.

Agriculture principal secretary Paul Ronoh flagged off the consignment at the Port of Mombasa marking the end of supply uncertainty that had affected more than six million farmers across the country.

The fertiliser will be distributed through 354 depots managed by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), cooperative societies, and certified outlets under the Kenya Tea Development Agency ensuring nationwide access.

The rollout comes after delays linked to disruptions in global shipping routes with vessels forced to reroute via South Africa due to instability in the Middle East.

The delays had raised concerns among farmers many of whom had already planted crops and were at risk of reduced yields due to lack of fertiliser.

Reports indicated that some farmers had resorted to camping at NCPB depots in anticipation of supplies.

With subsidised fertiliser retailing at Ksh2,500 per bag, the programme remains a key pillar of the government’s broader agricultural support strategy aimed at lowering production costs and enhancing food security.

The PS assured farmers that distribution would be expedited, with deliveries expected at local depots within the week.

He noted that several depots in the North Rift region had already received supplies, and the latest consignment would significantly boost availability nationwide.

“We have no doubt as a government that our farmers will now get enough fertilisers in all the stores and they can now move comfortably to their farms and start farming.”

To accelerate last-mile delivery, the State Department for Agriculture has coordinated logistics with private transporters and the Kenya Railways Corporation under the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

Additionally, NCPB depots will remain open during weekends and public holidays to ensure uninterrupted access.

Looking ahead, the government signalled plans to strengthen supply chain resilience for future subsidy programmes, including contingency measures to cushion farmers against global disruptions.

Beyond fertiliser access, the government also highlighted a shift in farming trends, with increased diversification into high-value crops such as coffee, avocados, and macadamia.

The transition is seen as critical in boosting farmer incomes and driving agricultural-led economic growth.

“Most of the farmers have diversified; they are now planting different types of crops, which is good and mostly cash crops. We have seen farmers planting coffee, avocados, macadamia and other crops apart from maize and vegetables, and it is meant to transform this economy because we know that if we engage farmers very well, this economy will change,” he said.

Authorities also issued a stern warning to unscrupulous dealers accused of diverting subsidised fertiliser and selling it at inflated prices.

The government indicated it is leveraging digital tracking systems to identify irregularities, including cases of land size misrepresentation.

“We are aware that there are such individuals. We have identified some in Meru County who are also exaggerating the sizes of their land, and we have information now in the digital system that some individuals have lied,” revealed the PS warning that their days were numbered and will be arrested.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Agriculture Committee chair John Mutunga urged farmers to avoid middlemen and instead collect inputs directly from authorised depots.

He said that the government has already distributed over seven million bags of fertiliser this year and called on the Kenya Seed Company to fast-track the distribution of subsidised seeds following the release of Ksh2 billion in support.

Soy Constituency MP David Kiplagat criticised opposition leaders for politicising the fertiliser programme noting that the subsidy has significantly reduced prices since the current administration took office.

“We want to ask the opposition if they can find something else to talk about. For the issue of subsidy, I think they have crossed the red line, and we have enough fertiliser in this country,” he said.

The legislator faulted delays in lowering certified seed prices despite government subsidies, issuing a two-day ultimatum to the Kenya Seed Company.

“We want to urge them to stop the monkey business they are doing in that boat; either they shape up, or they ship out,” he said.

The fertiliser distribution is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the current planting season, with the government banking on improved input access to drive higher yields and strengthen national food security.